because this year, i won’t be in the united states to celebrate thanksgiving. tomorrow, i’m leaving for germany to visit one of my good friends. i’m absolutely thrilled to be going, but i must admit that a little part of me feels strange/sad to be missing thanksgiving. now that my brother and i are on different schedules [college vs. working life], i haven’t seen much of him this fall, and i really miss him a lot. it is also the one time of year that we [generally] have both sets of grandparents together, usually just them and our family. we all cook together and enjoy every minute of it; it is neither chaotic nor stressful. everyone takes part – my dad always grills the turkey [and does a fabulous job], and i always make the dessert. my mom and both grandmothers divvy up the rest of the dishes between the three of them, and i’m in the kitchen helping them wherever needed. tons of delicious food, and tons of fun. we always take a walk together after, and then enjoy togetherness time. and of course, the girls always do some good shopping during the weekend while the boys watch football. it is always a holiday i look forward to – a relaxing break during a time of such busyness and the gateway into the christmas season.

this year, i’m overflowing with thanksgiving for God’s many blessings: my close-knit, loving, supportive family that i love so very much. the Lord’s constant guidance. a job that i enjoy and that challenges me. a home that i can call my own. being able to reside close to my family. living in a beautiful city. the opportunity to fulfill my dream of going to culinary school. wonderful friends. having the means and the desire to see the world. a bright future full of hope and promise. my health and the health of my family and friends. an overwhelming happiness that comes with seeing the beauty in the world that we live in. it is a marvelous thing.

i’m thankful to have a dear family who understands my desire to take this opportunity to visit my friend overseas. though i wish that i wasn’t missing out on getting to spend time with them and help them cook, i’m happy that christmas is only a few weeks away and i will look forward to spending it with them. even without all that amazing thanksgiving goodness in my belly, i feel full in the most wonderful way, and that’s all i could ever ask for.

happy thanksgiving, everyone!

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i'm jessica, a picture-taking foodie, globetrotter, memory keeper & lover of life, currently residing in denver. this is where i collect my daydreams & share the lovelies of my world.